Habits that Sustain, Strengthen, and Heal |
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Greetings!
Last week, Rev. Justin lifted up the word “relentless” as a powerful preface for our hopes and dreams. Relentless love, relentless hope, relentless resilience and joy. This week, thanks to the work of Octavia Butler, I’ve been living with the word “persistence.” This quote of hers is about writing, but I think it pertains to just about anything worth doing.
She writes: "First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won’t. Habit is persistence in practice. You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing…(garbage)...and thinking it’s good stuff, and then you gradually get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence."
Over the last few months, I’ve focused on the habits that keep me grounded and growing, healthy and healing. Some of these habits are small — like finally flossing my teeth everyday; thank you pandemic for the endless time at home — and some of these habits take a bit more time and dedication.
One habit I’ve been focusing on is daily writing. First thing in the morning, when everyone else is asleep, I take out my pen and my book of blank pages. I write about whatever is on my mind or in my heart. Maybe I’m trying to work something out. Maybe I’m trying not to forget a moment of kindness or caring that I got to give or receive. Maybe I’m turning my attention to gratitude for the everyday problems I am blessed with right now when I know it could be, it has been, it will be otherwise.
When I restarted this writing habit, a colleague suggested that with a life as full as mine with kids and marriage and ministry, writing was going to have to get a hold on me if I was going to keep it up. “My hope for you,” she said, “is that you write often enough that it begins to feel like something you don’t want to do without. That’s the only way you’ll keep making space for it in your life.”
It didn’t take long. Within just a few weeks of committing to this daily habit, her wish for me came true. Writing became something I craved, something I needed. I didn’t always produce anything to be proud of, but it wasn’t about the product, it was about the process, the commitment, the persistence. Our Unitarian ancestors, the Transcendentalists, used to say that a spiritual practice was anything that offered the opportunity for light to shine in on the soul.
I wonder what habits you might already have in place, what habits you might strengthen that could offer the opportunity for light to shine in on your soul. As we enter these days of the deepest cold of winter, what habits will sustain you when inspiration is hard to find? I hope one of your sustaining habits is connecting here, at church, where together we create the conditions for light to shine in on our souls.
Yours in persistence,
Jen
Rev. Jen Crow
Co-Senior Minister
First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
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MULTIGENERATIONAL WORSHIP |
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Sunday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.
"Is the Truth Broken?"
Rev. Karen Hutt
The word "truth" is a major construct in any discussion of Unitarian Universalism. We pride ourselves on being seekers of truth, but who has this truth? How is it confirmed? What happens when the truth appears broken? Can we let go of our need for universal truths?
This Sunday, come and explore the tension and discernment that our free faith requires. We'll delve into our February worship theme, “Truth Telling,” with this message from Rev. Karen Hutt. Rev. Jen Crow and Lauren Wyeth will share a story for all ages, and we'll also enjoy newly recorded music from Franco Holder and Aimee K. Bryant — and a special reading and musical reflection from Franco!
HOW TO JOIN:
Connect to our live streamed worship between 9:55 and 10 a.m.:
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POST-WORSHIP HAPPENINGS (Feb. 7)
To join Zoom gatherings by phone (audio only), dial 1-312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID and password (if there is one).
~11 a.m. Care Companions Space
If you find yourself wanting to talk with someone about what is stirring for you, please speak with one of our care companions in a confidential breakout room. You can join the Zoom gathering here.
~11 a.m. Sunday Small Groups and Fellowship Hours
Room opens at 11 a.m.; small groups begin at 11:15 a.m.
Small groups and fellowship hours funnel through one zoom space. Join the Zoom gathering here (Meeting ID: 914 2086 6900; Passcode: 197968).
- BIPOC/Multiracial Fellowship Hour
- All-Identities Fellowship Hour
- Six-Week Sunday Small Groups (pre-registration required)
~11 a.m. First Step
First Step is a brief, casual orientation to Unitarian Universalism and First Universalist Church. During this 30-minute class, participants will learn about the foundations of our faith tradition and opportunities to get involved. Join the Zoom gathering here (Meeting ID: 881 2661 8139; Passcode: 396179).
11:15 a.m. First Sunday Meditation Group
Join this monthly congregant-led group for a silent meditation meeting on Zoom from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. After 20 minutes of sitting together in silence, we will share experiences from our practices. The group gathers at 11:15 a.m. to provide time for sharing. Meditation begins at 11:30 a.m. Join the Zoom gathering here. (Meeting ID: 811 5515 5500; Passcode: 244512)
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. Participation is confidential. Join the Zoom gathering here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151; passcode: 839388). For more info contact Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
Religious Education Classes this Sunday
Religious Education classes for children and youth in Kindergarten through 9th grade meet at 11:15 a.m. Senior high youth groups meet at varying times in the afternoon. Advance registration required. More information can be found on our Religious Education website.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.
Rev. Justin Schroeder
This midweek worship experience for adults and older youth is a brief time (20-30 minutes) of connection, centering, and reflection, to help us find and keep our balance during this time of pandemic and physical distancing.
Connect to the live stream on Wednesday, Feb. 3 between 6:55 and 7 p.m.:
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Cycle of Life & Prayer in Sunday Worship |
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If you are experiencing a crisis or transition, or celebrating a joy, please let us know. To be included in our Cycle of Life each Sunday in worship, or if you would like support, contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org or 612-825-1701.
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Sunday Service Recordings |
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January 31 Worship: "Amidst the Change: Dream On"
with Rev. Justin Schroeder
Sermon summary & reflections by Liz Farmer:
In Unitarian Universalism, there is no single text or authority figure from which to find wisdom. As followers of a Liberal faith tradition, UUs gather religious insights from a variety of teachers, symbols, and traditions; and in a responsible search for Truth, they hold them next to their hearts and listen for resonance. How are First Universalist congregants meeting and navigating the changes in their lives? To what sources are they looking? Some of them find Wisdom in non-attachment, simple kindnesses, creating something beautiful with their hands, and repurposing what is old into something new. In a mosaic of voices and stories from the congregation that was shared during Rev. Justin’s message on Sunday, we are invited to find our way through change - ironically - in the unexpected: that which is forgotten, a little strange, perhaps brushed aside, as we continue to weather change in our collective and individual lives.
Our worship podcasts are now available on Spotify! You can find the podcast from last Sunday's worship both on Spotify and on Podbean. In addition, you can watch the whole service on our YouTube channel. Find resources and materials to accompany you on your journey in the "Reflection and Listening Guide" in the Order of Service.
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Image description: Still photo of Lauren Wyeth from the YouTube video of worship from Sunday, Jan. 31. Lauren is a white woman with blonde hair and glasses, and is wearing a sweater. |
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February Worship Theme: Truth-Telling |
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The poet Emily Dickinson writes:
Tell all the truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind —
Over 150 years later, Michael Eric Dyson, in his book, Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America, writes something similar: “To be blunt, you (white people) are emotionally immature about race...We are forced to be gentle with you, which is another way of saying we are forced to lie to you. We must let you down easy, you, the powerful partner in our fraught relationship...You get upset when we tell you that whiteness has often been damaging and toxic. You get angry when we tell you how badly whiteness has behaved throughout history.” Dyson’s writing makes one wonder: How long can the truth be told slant? What is the collective moral cost of half truths and indirect truths being told?
When witnesses are sworn into a court of law, they promise “To tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” As a country, we claim to value the truth, and yet we can scarcely face and acknowledge our history, riddled with myths and outright lies, and the ways that that history is still alive today.
What does it take to hear the truth? To tell the truth? What shifts and gets unlocked in our bodies, our families, our churches, our communities, the body of our country, when we start taking the risk of telling and hearing the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, challenging, and dangerous?
Archbishop Rowan Williams writes, “Truth makes love possible; love makes truth bearable.” These words suggest that truth by itself is not enough. Truth and love must dance together, striving to open the tight, defensive, scared places within the human heart.
This month, we will explore the spiritual work of hearing and telling the truth in love.
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Voices of the Choir: Behind the Scenes |
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Submitted by Ray Dillon
READER ALERT: some ungrown-up whining ahead!
Before COVID, choir rehearsals were opportunities to get together with seventy friends, synchronize our breathing, and become one organism to create beauty. Many of us would comment that, honestly, it was the high point of our week! Part of the pleasure was watching a master at work, as our director Randy shaped the performance. We’d snicker as he would exaggerate the woefulness of another section’s sound, and then applaud on their second try when they produced a glorious tone. It was exciting to hear the various parts all start coming together. During the Sunday performances, we would experience the rush of a meaningful connection with our audience, as we delivered the emotional message of our part in the liturgy.
In this year of Zoom, we try to keep the camaraderie going in rehearsals, but if you have experienced Zoom camaraderie, you know it’s not the same. Likewise, the musical experience is severely curtailed. For one thing, each section rehearses by itself with Randy, so we never get to hear the other parts. Saddest of all, Randy has to run the rehearsal with all of us on mute! He is reduced to plunking the line out on the piano, having us sing it, and then asking us to signal thumbs up or down whether we need to sing it again. Luckily, his vast experience tells him which corrections we need even when he hasn’t heard us!
Making our individual recordings brings its own psychic pain. Remember, almost all of us joined choir for the exact reason that our individual voices are not solo quality. I cringe a bit as I listen to my own voice betraying me. It’s a bit of humble pie to realize how much I had been depending on hearing the voices of my fellow basses all around me to keep me on true pitch. I have to send in my video with my fingers crossed that my mistakes won’t be so noticeable when my voice is spliced together with all the other videos.
What keeps us going during COVID is our loyalty to Randy, Franco, and each other, our love for our First Universalist community, and the knowledge that this, too, shall pass.
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A Reminder About Our Member Data Use Policy |
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Members and friends of First Universalist Church who have created a verified account through our current database, ACS, can log into an online member portal - via My First U in your web browser and the ChurchLife app on your smartphone - that provides, among other things, access to a digital directory.
As members of our church community, it is expected that everyone use this access to congregant contact information responsibly and be respectful of the privacy of fellow members of our community.
In particular, we want to remind you that our Member Data Use Policy states that congregant information accessed through our church directory is never to be used for personal business solicitation purposes, queries, or sales; and never to be shared with outside organizations, including partner organizations.
We take violations of this policy seriously. Any questions or concerns regarding this policy can be directed to either of our Co-Senior Ministers, Rev. Jen and Rev. Justin, or sent to communications@firstuniv.org to be directed appropriately from there. |
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Julica Hermann de la Fuente
Featured in Braver/Wiser
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Julica Hermann de la Fuente, First Universalist's Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Ministries, was the featured writer in this week's edition of Braver/Wiser. Braver/Wiser is a ministry of the Unitarian Universalist Association which offers "weekly messages of courage and compassion for life as it is." Braver/Wiser contains written reflections and prayers from religious leaders, grounded in Unitarian Universalism.
"Holy Interruptions"
by Julica Hermann de la Fuente in Braver/Wiser
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021
[Excerpt]
One of the most humbling lessons of my anti-racism education career was when I witnessed a difficult and racist presentation in a Unitarian Universalist gathering, and I didn't think it was mine to interrupt. In fact, there were over forty people in the room, and nobody thought it was theirs to interrupt.
It was like witnessing a trainwreck in slow motion. It was terrible. And no one said stop.
When the speaker was finished, we all struggled to process what had just happened. No one said, “We need a caucus for the people of color in the room”—because there were six of us—“to figure out what we need.” There was stark silence, followed by tortured conversation.
I learned that day that if I am in the room, it’s my responsibility to interrupt when someone is being harmed, and to center their (or our) needs. It doesn't matter what my hierarchical position is in the system; I’m part of a covenantal community and when a covenant gets broken, it’s my responsibility to name that break, with kindness and the intention of healing, and to call us back into right relationship.
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We Care Ministries at First Universalist Church |
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The care team at First Universalist is here to help in a whole lot of ways—from phone calls to say we’re thinking about you to a listening ear when you need someone to accompany you through whatever’s happening in your life. COVID-19 has changed some of the ways we provide care, but there is a lot we’re still doing. Here is one of the ways we’re here to provide support:
WE CARE Zoom Room
Sometimes after a service you might find yourself stirred up and wanting to talk. Care Companions are here after services to meet with you one on one and you can find us in this Zoom room.
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An Ongoing Invitation to Create a Short Video for Worship |
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We are excited to continue to find ways to weave a variety of congregant voices and experiences into our online worship services, in order to lift up and celebrate the variety of lived experiences, identities, and truths that make up our faith community. Here is one opportunity to share your stories in our worship service:
What Brought You Joy this Week?
Even amidst the pandemic, a violent insurrection at the Capitol, and the uncertainty this time brings, joy exists! We want to make space in our worship services for joy. Will you share your joy with us? We invite you to share - in 30 seconds or less - a video response to “What brought you joy this week?” Was it music? A night walk? A poem? A meal?
Instructions:
- Share your name and tell us what brought you joy and delight! Be as specific as possible. Share your joy with us. (No longer than 30 seconds, please.)
Deadline: Submit a video whenever you can. Beginning in February, we hope to regularly include “Joy” videos in our service. This is an ongoing project, and we will accept submissions as they come in.
How to Record and Submit Your Video
Suggested ways record and submit your video:
- Record using your smartphone, in Zoom, or in Quicktime
Requests/tips:
- Please record horizontally (landscape) if recording on a smartphone
- Keep phone steady/use a tripod (google how to easily make a cardboard phone!)
- Look at the camera lens (don’t watch yourself talk)
- Staff can trim videos, so don't worry about editing out extra time at the start/finish
- Speak audibly and clearly
Submission:
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Virtual Meetings & Gatherings |
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Tangled Blessings: Grief Group |
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Sundays, Jan. 31 – March 7, 4–5:30 p.m.
In a season where we have experienced so much and such complicated grief and loss, gathering with a group for support and companionship is so important. Tangled Blessings is a weekly grief group where participants are invited to bring their whole selves and whatever grief they may be carrying. Through sharing, silence, ritual, and reflection, we will offer each other support and companionship. You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions.
This group is facilitated by Rev. Arif Mamdani and will meet 4–5:30 p.m. on the following Sundays: Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21, Feb. 28, and March 7, 2021.
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"The Plastic Problem" Film Showing & Discussion |
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"PBS NewsHour Presents: The Plastic Problem"
Film Showing & Discussion
Saturday, Feb. 6
10 a.m. virtual showing, 11 a.m. discussion
Join the Environmental Justice team to view “PBS NewsHour Presents: The Plastic Problem.” In 2019 the PBS NewsHour team looked at this now ubiquitous material and how it’s impacting the world, why it’s become so prevalent, what’s being done to mitigate its use, and what potential alternatives or solutions are out there.
Join us to watch the film at 10 a.m., or you can watch on your own in advance. We invite you to join us at 11 a.m. to explore what we have learned and the actions we can take to move forward to lessen our plastic footprint.
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Plastics Webinar Series with the EJ Team |
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Newcomer Circle Registration: Limited Spots Open |
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Newcomer Circles are four-session gatherings of 6–8 participants who are new-ish to First Universalist. If you’ve been joining us for worship, participating in small groups or other gatherings for a few months and would like to deepen your connection to the church and meet others who are also early in their journey with the congregation, this is a great way to do so. (If you’re brand new to us or testing the waters, we invite you to first attend First Step—a brief orientation offered every first and third Sunday of the month—or drop into our post-worship fellowship hours.)
Upcoming Newcomers Circles will be offered on Zoom at the following times:
(Limited spots remaining) Mondays, Feb. 15, 22, March 1, and 8; 7–8:30 p.m. w/ George Dow and Phillip Muessig
FULL (wait list only) Sundays, March 7, 14, 21, 28; 12:30–2 p.m. w/ Channing McKinley and Emily Wallace
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Join the Association of Universalist Women for Zoom Games on Feb. 20 |
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Submitted by Anne Frenchick
The Association of Universalist Women (AUW) is hosting a Winter Zoom event: Play Time! The AUW invites all women, gender-fluid folks, and trans non-binary people to join via Zoom on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 4 – 5:15 p.m. for “The Best Zoom Games” and more! Attending is free, but please register by February 5 by emailing Martha Easter-Wells (mm3second@aol.com) with your name, address, and phone number. As part of your registration you will receive an Activity Bag, which contains materials for use during the event, along with other goodies. No-contact pick up directions to get your Activity Bag will be given when you register. For more information, visit the AUW website.
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UUs in 12-Step Recovery
Every other Sunday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Feb. 7 & 21)
Every other Tuesday, 7–8 p.m. (Feb. 16 & Mar. 2)
Weekly drop-in group for UUs in 12-step based recovery from all kinds of addiction and family dysfunction. Participation is confidential. Join us via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 922 6965 4151 Passcode: 839388) For more info contact Dick Young at 952-893-1188.
First Sunday Meditation Group
First Sunday of the month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Feb. 7)
Join this monthly congregant-led group for silent meditation on Zoom. The Zoom space opens at 11:15 a.m.; meditation starts at 11:30 a.m. Join via Zoom here.
Weekly Meditation Group
Tuesdays, 9–10:15 a.m.
The Weekly Meditation Group is meeting by Zoom Tuesdays from 9-10:15 with an extended learning session once a month. Contact Martha Easter-Wells at mm3second@aol.com for Zoom information.
Single Parents Gathering
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Single Parents Gathering with Rev. Sara Smalley - Parents/guardians who are single and/or co-parenting gather for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Sara to be connected to the group at smalley.sara@gmail.com.
Young Adults Group
Third Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 18)
Connect with fellow First U young adults (20s & 30s). Join via Zoom here. (Meeting ID: 992 3538 3974; Passcode: 125529)
Association of Universalist Women Happy Hour(s)
Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m. OR 7–8:30 p.m. (weekly)
Parents of Babies and Preschoolers (ages 0-4 years)
Parents/guardians of little ones gather with Lauren for mutual support and spiritual sustenance. Email Lauren at lauren@firstuniv.org to be connected to the group.
12 Step Spirituality
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.
All people in or interested in 12 steps are welcome - Al-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics, CODA, etc. The workshop includes meditation, Centering Prayer meditation instructions, a short talk and small groups. Meeting details available at 12stepspirituality.org
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Monday Night Speaker Series with
Mental Health Connect
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Submitted by Janet Houck, church member & Mental Health Connect ambassador
Join Mental Health Connect for the next installment of their Monday Night Mental Health Speaker series on Monday, Feb. 8, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The title of the event is “Recovering in Spite of Oneself: A Way Toward Healing,” and features Rev. Melissa Hensley, Ph.D, LISW, and Associate Professor of Social Work at Augsburg University. This event takes place over Zoom meeting; there is no need to pre-register. Join the Zoom gathering here. (Meeting ID: 996 1871 3275).
The Monday Night Mental Health monthly speaker series is free and open to the public. The series is a collaboration between St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Participant certificates for 1.5 hours are available for mental health professionals and students.
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Spiritual Care - Your ministers and program staff are here for one-on-one confidential conversations of support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to connect.
Counseling - The Walk In Counseling Center offers free counseling by phone or computer. Find out how to “walk in” on their website.
Cycle of Life - Every Sunday we name the challenges and joys that we are experiencing. If you have experienced a loss, are living with a new or ongoing health concern, are celebrating a transition, or would like us to name your joy or sorrow in worship on Sunday, please let Rev. Arif know (arif@firstuniv.org)
Love Kits - Are you or someone you love ill? Is your family struggling? Do you live alone or feel isolated? Do you know someone else from church who might answer yes to any of these questions? If so, please let Rev. Karen (revkarenhutt@gmail.com) know so that a package full of love and support can be delivered to your home.
Meal Trains - Sometimes receiving a meal one time or over the course of a couple of weeks can be just the thing to lighten the load and remind us that we are loved. If you or someone you know at church would welcome a meal to help them through a difficult time, or if you or your family have experienced a loss or are living with an illness or injury and having someone else do the cooking for a bit would help, please let us know. Contact Rev. Arif Mamdani at arif@firstuniv.org.
Minister’s Emergency Fund - For many of us, these are difficult financial times. If you need help with a car repair bill, making rent, a doctor’s bill, groceries, gas, a mortgage payment, affording your medication, a bus card, or any other financial situation - please be in touch with any staff member. We have financial resources available, and we can get a confidential check to you quickly. Please contact any of the ministers on staff.
Mental Health Connect - www.mhconnect.org - Need help finding a therapist? Want to learn more about particular mental health conditions and resources? Check out Mental Health Connect, a local organization supported by congregations like ours, that provides community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and connect individuals and families with the services they need.
Mental Health Navigators - If you are trying to access therapy or counseling services, navigate the insurance system, speak to a financial counselor, connect with housing services, or support loved ones with mental illness, a Mental Health Navigator can help. They journey alongside you to help remove barriers and complexity so that you can gain access to the right providers and resources for your unique situation. Navigation and follow-up services are free, confidential, and tailored to your situation. Learn more here: What Is a Mental Health Navigator? And get started by completing this form.
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